School Daze

By
Bigger & Harman
|August 12, 2014

The end of August means the end of summer vacation for most school-age
kids. Central California drivers, including myself, sometimes need to
be reminded about the different driving rules when school is in session.

VC 22454 says that drivers in both directions must stop when a school bus is loading
or unloading passengers. Most buses are equipped with extendable "stop"
signs and flashing red lights. The main exception is a divided roadway:
drivers on the opposite side of the median do not have to stop.

Most busses are equipped with amber lights that begin flashing right before
the bus stops. Slow down when you see these lights. You can also make
a "citizen's arrest" of sorts. Section (c) says that if
you see someone illegally pass a school bus, you can report them to the
police who must then issue a warning letter.

VC 23123 already bans cell phone use, except in an emergency. Other laws apply
to texting and cell phone use by novice drivers. If you're using a
handset in a school zone, the fine may skyrocket by as much as 100 percent.

VC 22358.4 sets a maximum speed of 30 MPH in a school zone; in most cities and towns,
you'll see either 20 or 25 MPH. Sometimes the signs have flashing
lights to alert you when the nearby school is in session, and sometimes
you just have to guess. An attorney practicing in Mojave can sometimes
use this provision in your defense. Not all schools have the same daily
schedule, and some private schools may also have different holiday schedules
than public schools.

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Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.